Will the Jaguars hold their own in the Big Apple?
Descending form versus ascending form is the name of the game on Thursday in the last NFL Thursday Night Game before Christmas. The New York Jets still have the better record before this clash at 7-7, but the Jacksonville Jaguars have been playing strong of late, winning three of their last four games.
Both teams are among the first chasers of the playoff spots in the AFC, which would currently require an 8-6 record (Chargers, Dolphins). For the loser, it could be extremely tight with a playoff qualification.
There is still a medium-sized question mark over the use of quarterback Mike White in New York. He had actually taken the starter’s job from Zach Wilson, but had to sit out the last game against Detroit due to a rib injury.
It is currently questionable whether he will be ready for action again by Thursday. Whether the Jets are as strong with Wilson is doubtful, which is why our prediction for Jets vs Jaguars is a win for the away team. The Jags have just proved against the Cowboys that they are one of the in-form teams
Kickoff of this playoff-relevant AFC duel is at 02:20 on Friday night in New York. The game can be followed live on DAZN.
New York Jets – Statistics & current form
Not much is left of the euphoria of the start of the season for the Jets. The controversy surrounding Zach Wilson, the serious injury to Breece Hall and now the loss of Mike White have left their mark.
The Jets have also slipped out of the playoff picture and are now only in 9th place in the AFC. The Jets are now one win away from the postseason, which they will now try to secure at home against the Jaguars.
Formcurve points in the wrong direction
If they were the clear favourites in this clash a few weeks ago, the situation has changed dramatically. New York has lost three of its last four games, Jacksonville has won three of its four.
Especially in terms of offensive stats, the Jags have clearly outperformed the Jets and also score 6.3 points more per game. The Jets have scored more than 22 points in only one of their last eight games. The Jaguars have done it four times in the same span.
Jets having big problems scoring
So New York is also only at 18.8 points per game and we can’t think of any reason why they should top the 20-point mark on Thursday. Especially their running game around Knight and Carter is just too weak for that right now.
They only totaled 50 rushing yards against Detroit, which would completely sink them against Jacksonville. Therefore, we see them clearly behind in this matchup and in Jets vs. Jaguars a bet against New York as the best possible betting option.
Key Players:
QB: Zach Wilson
RB: Zonovan Knight
WR: Elijah Moore
TE: Tyler Conklin
K: Greg Zuerlein
Jacksonville Jaguars – Statistics & current form
The Jacksonville Jaguars have moved on from the phase where they lost games unluckily. Now they have not only luck but also form on their side – a very dangerous combination in the NFL.
Whereas so much luck was not necessary at all in their victory against Dallas. With 503 total yards, they were even clearly superior to the favoured Boys here and only their two lost fumbles ensured that they were trailing for a long time in this game.
Trevor Lawrence is flourishing
So it seems slowly that Trevor Lawrence can grow into the role of an NFL superstar. While he made far too many mistakes last year, he has a much better handle on them in 2022. Only seven interceptions with 24 touchdowns are an excellent record.
In his last six games he even has 14 touchdowns with only one interception and a passer rating of constantly (with one exception) over 106 points. In that time, Lawrence is the best and most in-form quarterback in the league.
Defence still a concern
As far as offence is concerned, the Jags are very well positioned – also for possible playoffs. What could become a stumbling block, however, is their defence. With 23.4 points per game, they are still conceding too many points, even recently (32 in the last three games on average).
However, that’s exactly what can’t be expected against the Jets and their weak offence, which makes the matchup very comfortable for Jacksonville. So for Jets vs. Jags, the odds on the Jaguars are to be taken advantage of, especially since they are even considered the slight underdogs by bettors.
Key Players:
QB: Trevor Lawrence
RB: Travis Etienne Jr.
WR: Christian Kirk
TE: Evan Engram
K: Riley Patterson
New York Jets – Jacksonville Jaguars Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The head-to-head duels in recent years have been very even. Five of the last ten meetings went to New York, five to Jacksonville. The last meeting in 2021 was won by the Jets, but the two before that were won by the Jaguars.
Based on their record and home field advantage, the Jets should be the favourites (according to the bookmakers they are), but we doubt it. Like the Lions, the Jags are in great form at the moment and the Jets have already lost to the Lions.
We expect this to happen again on Thursday, which is why the odds on the away team are to be favoured for New York vs Jacksonville. Whether as a straight win bet or even a half/final result, both options are playable.
New York Jets – Jacksonville Jaguars Tip
There’s a sense of déjà vu for the New York Jets. After the Detroit Lions, they immediately meet another in-form team that has surprised in a positive way this year. And just like against Detroit, this could mean another defeat.
The Jets should have little to counter the Jaguars’ offensive power. 6.3 points less per game speak for themselves. So for Jets vs. Jags a tip on Jacksonville is our clear betting recommendation.
Zay Jones in particular is increasingly becoming Lawrence’s favourite kick-off station, which also allows for more betting alternatives. Bets on another Jones touchdown are also an option at good odds.
